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Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 4 (3): 126-134, 2005
ISSN 1680-5194
© Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005
Correspondence author: Khan Md. Shaiful Islam, Department of Animal Nutrition, Bangladesh Agricultural University,
Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
126
Humic Acid Substances in Animal Agriculture
K.M.S. Islam, A. Schuhmacher and J.M. Gropp
Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Gustav-Kühn-Straße 8,
D-04159 Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Germany
Abstract: Humic acids (HA), a class of compounds resulting from decomposition of organic matter,
particularly plants are natural constituents of drinking water, soil and lignite. It inhibit bacterial and fungal
growth, thus decrease levels of mycotoxins in feed. Stress management, immune system, anti-inflamatory
activity, antiviral properties as well as prevention of intestinal diseases, mainly diarrhoea in humans and
animals are described as its beneficial effect. The use of HA and related products in feed improved gut
health for better nutrient utilization as well as improved the health status by working against pathogens by
developing immunity. Routine use of HA in feed improved growth of broilers by increasing digestion of protein
and trace element utilization but a few researches has been conducted in this area. However, also
contradictory findings in piglets are described. Most of the literature found is from companies but scientific
articles are rather limited. There are also strong limitations in the knowledge of HA uses as feed additive for
growth of other species of animal. It is really difficult to compare the actual effects of HA preparations due to
different sources and nature as well as because rearing of animal in different region of the world varies as
climatic conditions and aspects. So, bio-effect of HA product depends on specification.
Key words: Humic acid, animal and agriculture, immune system
Introduction
Antimicrobial feed additives are world wide used so far
in animal husbandry to improve the economy and
ecology of animal production by increasing growth rate,
decreasing feed expenditure per gain and diminishing
the risk of disease (Hays, 1981; Gropp et al., 1992). But
the unavoidable spread of bacterial resistance and
cross-resistance to antibiotics used in veterinary and
human therapy (Barton, 1998; Khachatourians, 1998)
increasingly considered as a hazard, therefore the
approval of antimicrobial growth promoters will be
phased out by EU legislation by the end of 2005. Among
many alternatives Humic acids (HA) are described.
There are literature states that it has growth related
effect as well as health protection capacity by changing
some physiology and developing immunity in different
species of animal. However, also contradictory findings
in piglets are described (Schuhmacher and Gropp,
2000). Most of the cases different companies claims the
HA substances as beneficial for the production of farm
animal. So, it is important review the literature to draw an
actual picture in relation to animal agriculture.
Organic matter in the soil exists in 3 different forms: (1)
Living plant and animal matter, (2) Dead plant and
animal matter and (3) decomposed plant and animal
matter (humic substances). So, humic substances are
the most common forms of organic carbon in the natural
environment.
Concept of humic acid
Most humic substances are chemically attached to
inorganic components (clay and oxides), and a smaller
part gets dissolved in the solutions of the soil,
particularly under alkaline conditions. An important
feature of humic substances is that they can combine
with metal ions, oxides and clay minerals to form water
soluble or insoluble complexes and can interact with
organic compounds such as alkenes, fatty acids,
capillary-active substances and pesticides.
Farmers use humates to accelerate seed germination
and improve rhizome growth (Humet Product
Documentation and Technical Information, 1999). These
materials are able to stimulate oxygen transport,
accelerate respiration and promote efficient utilization of
nutrient by plants (Visser, 1987; Österberg and
Mortensen, 1994). These observations prompted
scientists to study the specific properties of humates
and their possible benefits in improving health and well
being of humans and animals. Several humic
substances have been identified.
Humus: This is the fraction of humic substances that is
not soluble in water at any pH value. These substances
have the greatest molecular sizes, as their molecular
weights can be around 300,000 Dalton. The oxygen
content in this substance is the lowest and falls in the
Islam et al.: Humic acid in animal
127
Fig. 1: Oxidized HA molecule
range of 32-34 %, while the nitrogen content is thederived from a type of leonardite (highly oxidized form of
highest, being around 4 %. Because of the highorganic matter) differs from their theoretical formula
molecular weight, the negative surplus charge on theirbecause a part of its chemical structure has been
surfaces is insufficient for peptising theoxidized. These broken bonds create places on the
macromolecules even at strongly alkaline pH, and somolecules where micronutrient ions can be absorbed.
their mobility in the soil is insignificant when in aThe oxidized sites give the entire molecule a negative
coagulated state. charge enabling it to absorb micronutrients (Fig. 1). In
Humic acids: Humic acids are humic substances notbecause of the unavailability of adequate and sensitive
soluble in water under acid conditions (below pH 2), butanalytical methods. A chemical structure for the basic
become soluble at a greater pH (HuminTech, 2004).skeleton of HA is based on alkylbenzenes,-
Humic acids are soluble in dilute alkaline solutions andnapthhalenes and -phenanthrenes.
precipitate as soon as the solution becomes slightlySoluble HA is available as either potassium humates or
acidic. These substances have medium molecular sizesodium humates (ie HA is only soluble in an alkaline
and their molecular weight is around 5,000 to 100,000base). Potassium humates are the product of choice for
Dalton. Oxygen represents 33-36 %, while nitrogenthe soil because extra sodium is rarely required. Sodium
represents 4 % in this substance. Because of theirhumates are preferable for animals as sodium is an
medium molecular size, sufficient negative surplusimportant inorganic electrolyte for animal.
charge on their surfaces for peptising the
macromolecules will occur only in a more alkalineBioavailability and Composition of Humic Acid
medium with a pH over 8 and thus their mobility in theProducts
soil is limited in neutral acidic-alkaline conditions. A sample of Humisolve-R (Faust Bio-Agricultural
Fulvic acids: Fulvic acids are soluble under all pHbioactive organic groups (Faust, 1998).
conditions. Those dissolve in dilute alkaline solutiona) 3.32 % carbonyl, carboxyl and quinone groups
and will not precipitate even if the solution turns slightlyb) 28.1 % of phenol hydroxyls and nitrogen-containing
acidic. These substances have the lowest moleculararomatic groups
size, as their molecular weight is around 2,000 Dalton.c) 7.78 % of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds
This is the material with the highest oxygen contentd) 44.7 % of protonated aromatic carbons
(around 45-48 %) and the lowest nitrogen content (lesse) 16.06 % of methyl and methylene groups
than 4 %). Because of their low molecular weight theirTotal bioactive organic group (a-d) in that sample of
surface negative surplus charge is sufficient to peptisehumate was 83-94 %. The activity had been confirmed
the macromolecules even at neutral or slightly alkalineby bioassay that had connected those bioactive organic
conditions resulting in significant mobility in the soil. chemicals to the humates on plants and animal cells
Phenolic acids: These substances are not definedCertified composition of HA/HuminFeed produced by
based on solubility but identified as a component ofHumintech GmbH, Heerdter Landstr. 189/D, D-40549
humic substances. Düsseldorf, Germany, is (1) Water 14,50 %; (2) Ash (DM
Chemical structure of humic acid Sodium 8,9 %;(5) pH (in 10 % solution) 9 to 10. In a case
Bio-Liquid Complex (Bio Ag Technologies International) study by Enviromate TM, 2002, the HA material contained
the past these compounds have been largely overlooked
Services) containing 73 % HA shows the following
(Faust, 1998).
basis) 26,00 %; (3) Humic acids (DM basis) 74,00 %; (4)
Islam et al.: Humic acid in animal
128
Table 1: Effect of dietary Farmagülatör DRY Humate on performance of male broilers (Kocabagli et al., 2002)
TM
Dietary Hatch Body Body Feed:gain Feed:gain Feed:gain Overall
regimes weight weight (g) weight (g) (g:g) (g:g) (g:g) mortality
(21 d) (42 d) (0-21d) (22-42) (0-42) (%)
NAFH 45.6 758 2346 1.68 2.14 1.99 8.0
1 b a
FH 45.5 735 2394 1.74 2.03 1.95 1.0
(0-21)2 ab ab
FH 44.9 749 2451 1.67 1.99 1.89 5.0
(22-42)3 a b
FH 44.6 737 2428 1.71 1.99 1.92 7.0
(0-42)4 ab b
SEM 0.31 7.9 25.9 0.039 0.037 0.032 2.03
P- value 0.144 0.140 0.029 0.545 0.0416 0.2522 0.114
No added Farmagulator DRY Humate; Farmagulator DRY Humate provided from 0 to 21 d (2.5 kg/ton feed); Farmagulator
1 TM 2 TM 3
DRY Humate provided from 22 to 42 d (2.5 kg/ton feed); Farmagulator DRY Humate provided from 0 to 42 d (2.5 kg/ton feed)
TM 4 TM
Table 2: Effect of HA containing diets on live weight, feed conversion efficiency (FCE; gLWG/1000 g feed intake) and
mortality of broiler1
Code (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Humic acid (g kg feed) 00.3 0.6 1.2 2.4 4.8
-1
Composition of feed
CP (g/100g air dry sample) 26.20 26,16 26.00 25.70 25.06 23.47
ME (MJ kg feed) 12,73 12,69 12,65 12,54 13,09 12,52
-1 2
Performance of broiler
Weight /bird on day 7 193.4 193.5 192.0 192.3 185.0 174.2
a a a a a b
Weight /bird on day 14 547 541 543 536a 521a 483
a a a b
Weight /bird on day 35 2408 2369 2335 2355 2310 2301
FCE from 0 to7 days 1011 988 1020 992 921 930
a ab a ab cbc
FCE from 0 to 35 days 723 712 715 709 701 689
a ab ab ab ab b
Mortality (%) 8.75 5.00 1.25 2.50 1.25 5.00
CP-Crude protein; Research conducted at the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Diatetics, University of Leipzig,
1
Germany. Calculated from FMV (ME in MJ/kg = g Crude protein x 0.01551 + g Crude Fat x 0.03431 + g Starch x 0.01669 + g Sugar
2
x 0.01301) according to German legal regulations (see Weinreich et al., 2002). Different superscripts in the same row differ
abc
significantly (p<0.05)
(1) Crude protein 7.10 %; (2) Ash 8.33 %; (3) Crude fibre 21 day (starter period), FH from 22-42 days (grower
12.50 %; (4) Carbohydrates 51.20 %; (5) Nitrogen 1.14period). Feeding FH during the grower period had the
%; (6) Moisture 8.60 %; (7) Humic acids 42-48 %; (8)most beneficial effect in terms of growth and feed
Fulvic Acids 12 % of HA. Many other literatures (notconversion (Table 1). An other study (Eren et al., 2000),
mentioned here) showed that the HA composition varies compared the effects of dietary humate (Farmagülatör
between the HA preparations of different companies butDRY ) supplementation at 1.5 and 2.5 g kg feed on
also between the different sources (soil), they werebroiler performance from 0 to 42 d. Although there was
extracted from. no performance difference at 21 d, the authors found that
Humic acids as feed additive significantly improved the live weights of broilers at 42d.
Humic acids are not approved as feed additive, but asThey also showed that serum Na+ concentration and
veterinary drug at EU level although many literaturestibia bone ash of male broilers were significantly
indicated those as feed additives claiming growthelevated when humate was fed at 2.5 g kg but not 1.5
promotion effect. g kg . Also a recent study conducted by the author at the
Better performance by improving nutritive value ofDiatetics, University of Leipzig, Germany indicated that
feed: In recent years, it has been observed that humates the inclusion of HA during later stage in broiler diet could
included in feed and water of poultry promotes growthmore beneficial in respect of performance (Table 2).
(Bailey et al., 1996; Parks, 1998; Shermer et al., 1998;In 1998, a test was carried out on a wide scale at the
Eren et al., 2000). Kocabagli et al. (2002) studied to use Severny pedigree poultry breeding state farm near the
(2.5 g kg ) of Farmagülatör DRY Humate (FH)town of Bratsk. The poultry losses decreased by 50%,
-1 TM
(Farmavet International) on live performance, carcasswhile the live weight in five weeks increased by 30%
weight, and the abdominal fat pad of broilers during(Teravita, 2004). The results, shown in the Fig. 2,
different feeding periods (control-without FH), FH from 0- strongly supported the recent findings of the author
TM -1
dietary supplementation of humate at 2.5 g kg-1
-1
-1
Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutritional Diseases and
Islam et al.: Humic acid in animal
129
Fig. 2: The effect of the humate supplements on poultry loss (a) and live weight gain in poultry (b).
(Table 2) in respect of mortality but not strong for growth. 11.5 %, phosphorus by 6.7 %, albumen by 24.3 %, and
Conversely Bailey et al. (1996) found that feeding 5 gthe $-globulin level increased by 32 %. In broilers feed
Menefee® humate (MH) kg feed (Sundine Enterprises,activated the synthetic phase of albumineous exchange.
-1
Inc.) to male broilers did not affect body weight, butAs a result, there was a 10 % increase in body weight,
improved feed conversion at 35 d. They also reportedand an immunity rise by 5-7 % (TeraVita, 2004).
that dietary MH supplementation increased mortalityYasar et al., 2002, concluded that HA caused increased
significantly but also body weight by day 42 in femaleweight gain in rats. The improved weight gain was
broilers. In another report with turkeys feeding MHassociated with increased ileal epithelial mass,
improved weight gain and feed conversions from 8 toincreased feed intake, improved feed:gain ratio and
12 wk of age (P<0.05), but this response did not persistincreased nitrogen retention in rats.
until 20 wk of age. But, incorporation of humates in the
feed of chickens has reduced unspecific deaths by 3 toReplacing antibiotic growth promoter: Replacing
5 % (Stepchenko et al., 1991) also supported byantibiotic with HA as growth promoter in animal feed
Kocabagli et al. (2002) and the recent work of the author does not cause any loss in the performance of animals.
(Table 2). On the contrary, performance factors (LWG, FI, FCR and
Humic acids stabilize the intestinal flora and thusfaeces consistency - scour assessment) of animals are
ensure an improved utilization of nutrients in animalconsiderably improved. The use of HA in animal feed
feed. This leads to an increase in live weight of theexcludes of course the possibility of antibiotic residue or
animal without increasing the amount of feed given tomicrobial resistance (Humin Tech, 2004).
the animal (HuminTech, 2004). In the same brochure itSimultaneously, as a result of a higher food conversion
is mentioned that diet digestibility as a result ofrate and enhanced absorption of nitrogen by the animal,
maintaining optimum pH in the gut increases, resultingnitrogenous wastes and odour are reduced. It was also
in lower levels of nitrogen excretion and less odour.concluded by Ceylan and Ciftci, (2002), that HA would be
Moreover, HA is said to improve protein digestion as well an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler
as calcium and trace element utilization. diets.
The HA also leads to increased milk production and
increased butterfat percentage in dairy cows, improvedHealth value of humic acid substances
feed efficiency, decreased feed costs, reduced flyScientists at the Drepropetrovish Agricultural Institute in
population and reduced costs for insect control.Moscow revealed humate as harmless with respect to
Furthermore, the weaning weights increased and fasterblood, cardio-vascular system, endocrine system and
weight gains were observed, while problems withother vitally important organs using patho-histological
scours greatly decreased (Livestock R. Us, 2003). Onand histo-chemical methods. The toxicity of naturally
the whole, HA should increase the animal's resistanceoccurring HA is remarkably low (Thiel et al., 1981). An
against heat stress. LD of 0.536g kg bw can be considered as
Calves born from cows that have been fed humates, had confirmation of the harmlessness of humate (Lotosh,
a 13.4 % more weight within four months compared to1991). Current repeat toxicity studies in rodents
control. The bull-calves that had been fed with humates, indicated total safety at levels up to 50 mg kg body
had an increase of 21.2 % body weight than control. The weight (Laub, 1998b).
haematological data of animals in both humate-fedHumic acids should inhibit pathogenic bacterial growth
groups showed increased levels of haemoglobin byand growth of moulds, thus decreasing levels of
50 -1
-1
Islam et al.: Humic acid in animal
130
Table 3: Relative organ weight (liver, spleen and Bursa fabricii) in percent of body weight of humic acid fed broiler
Code (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Humic acid (g kg feed) 00.3 0.6 1.2 2.4 4.8
-1
Liver 2.21 2.34 2.20 2.31 2.22 2.19
Spleen 0.08 0.11 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.09
Bursa fabricii 4.22 4.46 3.23 4.15 2.92 3.26
Thyroid gland 0.009 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.010
NB: Experiment conducted for a period of 35 days at the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, University of
Leipzig, Germany. No significant differences observed among the treatments for different parameters (p>0.05)
Table 4: Morphometric parameters of thyroid gland of chicks offered different levels of humic acid in feed
Code (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Humic acid (g kg feed) 00.3 0.6 1.2 2.4 4.8
-1
No. of follicles/location* 19.64 17.34 18.38 12.68 17.91 18.04
a ab ab b ab ab
Diameter of follicles (µm) 64.41 70.58 71.1 84.47 70.30 69.96
a ab ab b ab ab
Height of epithelia (µm) 4.23 4.35 4.23 4.59 4.11 4.00
1
Length of nucleus (µm) 5.31 5.11 4.96 4.72 4.74 4.74
1 a ab ab b b b
Width of nucleus (µm) 2.80 3.00 3.00 2.95 2.76 2.65
1
No. of hyperplasia 1.05 0.79 0.67 0.59 0.51 0.75
a ab ab ab b ab
FEI 15.38 16.33 16.98 18.66 17.36 17.80
*(367.53X285.75 µm); NB. Ten birds per group and 11 location of each slide from right lobe were considered; Ten replicates were
1
considered per location of the slide from a bird and 110 replications per bird/slide. Follicle epithelium index (FEI) = Follicle
diameter ( µm)/Epithelial height ( µm). Different superscripts in the same row differ significantly (p<0.05)
abc
mycotoxin, which should lead to improved gut healthcapable to carry more oxygen in presence of humate.
(Humin Tech, 2004). Dermal, oral or subcutaneousThis additional oxygen causes feelings of euphoria,
application of HA leads to inhibitory effects onsimilar to hyperventilating, during the first few days of
inflammation. The ability to inhibit inflammation istaking humate. Healing of injuries, as a result of
believes to be related with the flavonoid groupsadditional oxygen, is much quicker. Cutting horses have
contained in HA. ankle inflammations frequently from their rigorous
Humic acids are able to form a protective film on thetraining programs. Healing times for these injuries have
mucous epithelia of the gastro-intestinal tract againstbeen reduced by the usage of humates. According to
infections and toxins (Kühnert et al., 1991). The macro-Dabovich et al., 2003, a HA product Promax has
colloidal structure of HA ensures a good shielding onnutriceutical properties in that it stimulates neutrophil
the mucous membrane of the stomach and gut, theactivity which may protect against bacterial pathogens
peripheral capillaries and damaged mucous cells. As aand reduce mortality during acute bacterial infection.
result of this process, the resorption of toxic metabolites
is reduced or fully prevented, especially after infections,Mineral transfer: Humic acids act as dilator increasing
in case of residues of harmful substances in animalthe cell wall permeability. This increased permeability
feed or when it is switched to new feeds. Furthermore,allows easier transfer of minerals from the blood to the
HAs also help to prevent excessive loss of water via the bone and cells. Calcification of a bovine implant was
intestine (HuminTech, 2004). Those are used in horses,improved by 16% (Kreutz and Schlikekewey, 1992).
ruminants, swine and poultry at an oral doses level ofThere are also changes in intracellular divalent calcium
500 to 2000 mg kg bw for the treatment of diarrhoea,levels (Yang et al., 1996). Hoewever, literature also
-1
dyspepsia and acute intoxications. reports binding of iodine from foods (Summers et al.,
There are some parameters indicating physiological1989) so that antithyroideal effects could be supposed
benefits due to HA and related products, they are given(Seffner et al., 1995). But reverse concluded by (Huang
below. et al., 1994) that the HA do not induce goiter, but they
Blood parameters: For humans 100-300 mg kg bwa recent study by the author at the Institute of Animal
-1
has no effect on bleeding time, clotting time, thrombinNutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Diatetics, University of
time, plate count, or induced platelet aggregationLeipzig, Germany indicated the absence of goiter genic
(Malinowska et al., 1993). Red blood cells (RBC) andeffect in broiler showing lack of dose related effects on
haemoglobin level remained on normal levels under thevisceral organs and histomorphometric parameters of
influence of humate in comparison with control (Lotosh,thyroid gland (Table 3 and 4). Just as fulvic acid carries
1991). Literature has indicated that the RBC waslife-sustaining minerals to the body also captures and
may enhance the goitrogenic effect of low iodine. From
Islam et al.: Humic acid in animal
131
removes toxic metals from the body. Fuchs et al., 1982,well as to improve the animal's defences against
indicated that the HA had differentiated effects uponpathogens such as E. coli (HuminTech, 2004).
trace elements in laboratory rat. Plasma iron levels were According to CVMP, 1999, the intramuscular injection of
hardly affected, while copper and zinc levels were initially the HA sodium salt (1 mg kg bw) to rabbits had no
suppressed with a tendency for recovery after 60 days. effects on haematological parameters and the glucose
Seffner et al., 1995, could show that small amounts ofconcentration in blood, but affected the
HA given to the rat for 8-14 weeks result in histologicalalbumine/globuline ratio in plasma (marked increase of
signs of goitre and trace it back to a reduced iodinethe $-globulin fraction). Pukhova et al. (1987) found that
availability in the intestine. So, it is contradictory of thesodium humate increases the lifespan of mongrel rats
recent findings of the author because (Table 3 and 4)exposed to lethal doses of cobalt radiation.
Seffner et al., 1995, applied to drinking water, were
comparable to our 2.4 g kg feed. The rat diet contained Anti-inflammatory properties: Humic acids isolated
-1
(by certificate of the producer) 0.9 mg I kg . Authorsfrom peat exhibited significant efficacy for adhesions
-1
experimental diet contained 2.5 mg added I kg feed.when tested on female rats that had standardized
-1
Both dosages were quite above the requirement or thelesions placed on both uterine horns and the
allowance data. Probably, (i) high iodine of diet inhibited peritoneum of the anterior abdominal wall (Yang et al.,
the potential occurrence of goitre, (ii) the method was too 1996). According to Kühnert et al., 1982 the humic
rough to detect the initial stage of iodine deficiency, andsubstances, including peat and sodium humates, are
(iii) length of the feeding trial was to short. known to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Not only
Stress management: Literature reports that humatesshown to bond to the collagen fibers to aid in repair of
reduce the production of stress causing hormones. Thisdamaged tendons and bone. Tendon strength has been
has been cumulated from animal behaviour, in particular shown to increase by as much as 75% (Iubitskaia and
from calves first entering the arena. Animals on humateIvanov, 1999; Kreutz and Schlikekewey, 1992).
are less affected by the outside stimulus of the crowds
or confining areas of the arena. This effect has alsoAnti-viral properties: Humates are effective media
been noted on sheep, horses, cattle and hogs. In dairyadditives for the production of antibiotics in the soil
operations, those animals not on humate aggressively(Huck et al., 1991). Humic substances have long been
eat their rations while humate animals leisurely grazeknown to exhibit antiviral properties in particular against
(Enviromate, 2002). rhinoviruses (Enviromate, 2002). Viral pathogens for
Microbial interaction: In soil tested for microbial activity, effective include in particular Coxsackie virus A9, herpes
levels increased 400 to 5000 times with the addition ofsimplex virus type 1 and 2 (Schiller et al., 1979; Thiel et
300 ppm humate into the soil. Humates added to feedal., 1981; Thiel et al., 1977; Laub 1998a; Laub 1998b,
stimulate the microbial growth and the extent can beand Knocking, 1991), human immunodeficiency virus
quite large depending upon the species, the culture(HIV) (Laub 2000; Laub, 1995), influenza type A and B
medium, and the environment (Huck et al., 1991).(Laub 2000 and Enviromate, 2002), as well as other
Species for which natural humic substances have beenrespiratory tract infections (Schultz, 1965; Knocking,
shown to be inhibitory include C. albicans, Ent. cloacae,1991 and Jankowski et al., 1993).
Prot. vulgaris, Ps. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, St.In earlier times, HAs have also been employed as
aureus, St. epidermidis, and St. pyogenes (Riede et al.,veterinary medicine therapy successfully employing peat
1991). It seems that within the body, humates stimulatemull (extracted HA) to prevent the transmission of foot
the “good” microbes while suppressing the “bad”and mouth disease in pigs (Schultz, 1965). Lotosh,
microbes.
Testing of milk during field trials often indicates an
increase of microbes in the milk, an indication to the
dairyman of impending mastitis. As a result of feeding
humates, mastitis cases within the milking herd
dropped from an average of 3 to 4 cases daily to 4 cases
in a month (Mosley, 1996). Additional confirmation of
reduction of mastitis was observed in lactating female
goats.
Immune system: By improving immune functions in the
animal, HA are able to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea
and other digestive upsets to a considerable extent as
-1
does the humate relieve from inflammation, it has been
which soil-extract materials have been shown to be
1991, mentioned the humate as a pharmacy that raises
resistance against non-specific diseases. This fact was
confirmed by using such models as atoxic anemia, toxic
hepatitis, peptic ulcer and hypercholesterolemia.
Liver effects: In an experimental model with partially
hepatectomised rats, long-term application of HA
resulted in the stimulation of omithine decarboxylase, an
increase in spermidine and histamine as well as DNA
and RNA levels, and in overall liver mass (Maslinski et
al., 1993). It is also clear that the humate plays a role in
the liver function and protects somewhat from disease
and/or disturbances (Lotosh, 1991).
Islam et al.: Humic acid in animal
132
Odour reduction: Texas A and M University SystemCeylan, N. and I. Ciftci, 2002. The effects of some
researchers have discovered that using humate
decreases volatile ammonia in animal waste by 64%,
reduces odour, and improves the nitrogen to
phosphorus ratio in the waste (Parker et al., 2001).
Scientists are developing rations formulated to enhance
manure characteristics while maintaining the
performance of animal (Greene and Cole, 2000; Mosley,
1996).
Residue in food material
In residue studies swine orally received a mixture of
Humocarb and concentrated HA (ratio 16:1) at a dose
level of 500 and 2000 mg kg bw day for 30 days and
-1 -1
sheep orally received 1000 to 2000 mg kg bw day . At
-1 -1
the end of the treatment periods no HA could be
detected by a photometric method (limit of detection: 10
to 50 µg ml ) in blood plasma and muscle, liver and
-1
kidney (CVMP, 1999). The results obtained by different
researchers (Lange et al., 1996; Kühnert et al., 1989)
indicated that HA 1500 is toxicologically not harmful after
oral administration. Taking into account the
pharmacokinetic data, residues of the substance in
animal tissues can be ruled out with high significance.
They also found that after oral administration of 500 mg
HA 1500 kg bw, the half life period was 1.5 hours and
-1
maximum plasma concentration was 3 µg ml .
-1
Conclusion: There is no doubt that HA has many
beneficial effect like antibacterial, antiviral and anti
inflammatory in animals, improves immune system,
stress management and reduce odour in faeces. It also
has positive effect on liver functioning. Ultimately
reduces mortality and increases growth in poultry. But
the level of benefits is now questionable for ruminants
because due to its antimicrobial affect may cause
depression of protein synthesis by reducing rumen
microorganism. Supported literature those indicates the
HA as growth promoter in ruminants seems weak in this
aspects and facing question. It’s affect as goitrogenic
substance in rat is rejected in case of poultry by recent
findings. So, in relation to growth promoter, using
routinely is not so positive but where health risk is higher
might be reflect beneficial due to protection of diseases.
It is also difficult to compare the actual effects of HA
preparations due to different sources and preparations
as well as because rearing of animal in various region
of the world differing the climate.
References
Barton, M.D., 1998. Does the use of antibiotics in
animals affect human health. Aust. Vet. J., 763: 177-
180.
Bailey, C.A., K.E. White and S.L. Donke, 1996. Evaluation
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